How do you choose the right RV size for your trip? You can start with three questions: how many people need beds, how often you plan to move camp, and what your budget allows. First-time renters often do well with a Class C motorhome or a travel trailer, since both balance living space with easy setup. Larger groups tend to want a Class A, while couples traveling light are suited to a Class B camper van. RVshare lists everything from small trailers your car can tow to full-size motorhomes, so you can match the rig to the trip rather than the other way around.
Key Takeaways
- Choose your RV size based on how many people need beds, how often you will move camp, and your budget.
- Class C motorhomes and travel trailers are popular first choices for their balance of space and ease of use.
- Class A motorhomes suit large groups, while Class B camper vans suit couples and easier driving.
- Towable trailers need a properly rated tow vehicle, so confirm your hitch and towing capacity before you book.
- Many RVshare rentals offer delivery, so you can skip driving or towing and have the RV set up for you.
What Should You Think About Before Choosing an RV Size?
There is a lot to plan when you take an RV vacation. You will need to consider where you want to go, the route you want to take to get there, and any stops along the way. You will need to decide who’s coming with you and whether anyone needs special gear. And, of course, you will need to settle on the size of RV to bring.
RVshare has a variety of RVs and trailers you can rent, from tiny trailers that your car can tow to large motorhomes that fit more than one family. When picking an RV, work through a few questions. How many people will need beds for the trip? Will you pack up camp frequently and move on, or stay in one spot for longer stretches? You won’t want a rig that is complicated to set up if you plan to stay only a night or two, but if you settle in for a week or more, the extra effort can be worth it. Finally, set a budget before you rent and stay within it.
What Are the Different RV Classes?
RV sizes are grouped by class, from Class A to Class C for motorhomes, plus a range of towable trailers. Here is how they compare at a glance.
| RV Type | Length | Sleeps | Best For | Ease of Use |
| Class B camper van | 16–24 ft | 2-4 | Couples, easy driving | Easy |
| Class C motorhome | 20–32 ft | 4-8 | Families, first-timers | Easy |
| Class A motorhome | 25–45 ft | 4-8 | Large groups, comfort | Moderate |
| Pop-up camper | 7–7.5 ft wide (folded) | 4-8 | Budget, light towing | Moderate |
| Travel trailer | Varies widely | 2-8 | Flexibility, amenities | Moderate |
| Fifth-wheel trailer | 25–40 ft | 4-8 | Space, longer stays | Moderate |
What Is a Class A Motorhome?
Class A RVs are the big RVs you see driving down the freeway that look like tour buses. They are the largest class of motorhome, and the best bet for very large groups of people. Class A motorhomes are 25-45 feet long, and can sleep four to eight people. They are often the most luxurious motorhomes and have room for more amenities than smaller vehicles. Class A motorhomes include bathrooms, kitchens, a living room/entertainment space, and a master bedroom – usually with at least a queen-sized bed in it.
What Is a Class B Camper Van?
Class B campervans are the smallest motorhome class, sometimes known as conversion vans. They’re built on a van chassis. Because they’re such a small RV, Class Bs are good for traveling winding roads, and they can fit just about any camping spot. They’re generally less expensive and easy to drive.
Most Class B vans have a small kitchen with a compact fridge, a heater, beds, and a small living space. They may come with a bathroom, although that’s not standard. Class B RVs are from 16-24 feet and sleep from one to four people.
What Is a Class C Motorhome?
Class C RVs are the Goldilocks of campers – not too big and not too small. They are usually built on a truck or van chassis, which makes first-time drivers feel more comfortable behind the wheel. Class C campers usually include a sleeping area above the cab, with more sleeping space in the back. Some campers have a slideout to give travelers more room when they’re set up. They generally have a fridge, stove, toilet, heating and air conditioning, and many have a living/entertainment space with a television and possibly a sound system.
Class C motorhomes are from 20-32 feet long and sleep from one to eight people.
What Types of Trailers Can You Rent?
Trailers cover a wide range of sizes and price points. The right one depends on your tow vehicle as much as your trip.
What Is a Pop-Up Camper?
Pop-up campers are small and fold down even smaller, making them easy to store. They can be towed by a car or SUV with the proper towing equipment. Pop-up campers are one of the more affordable options and usually include one to two double beds, a screened-in sleeping area, a sink, a cooktop, and a small dining space. There are some pop-up trailers that come with a toilet or a wet bath – a shower that uses the entire bathroom and gets it wet.
Pop-ups are generally between 7-7 1/2 feet wide and 4 1/2 feet to 5 feet tall, although there are some pop-ups with extra headroom. They sleep between four and eight people.
What Is a Travel Trailer?
Travel trailers require a special hitch that moderates the sway of the trailer when it’s on the road. They can be towed by an SUV, pickup truck, or van. Travel trailers often have all the amenities you’ll find in RVs, though you’ll want to check the specifications for your trailer to make sure it has what you want.
What Is a Fifth-Wheel Trailer?
Fifth-wheel trailers get their name because of an extension on the front of the trailer that extends over the tow vehicle. It ends with a plate that looks like the fifth wheel of your vehicle. The wheel connects to the cab of the truck that tows it. Fifth wheels need a full-sized pickup to handle their weight, and you’ll need to make sure you have a truck that’s suited to your fifth wheel.
They offer generous interior room, and some have slide-outs for even more space at camp. Most include a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom, and they typically run from about 25 to 40 feet.
Expert Tip
If you are still deciding between classes, watching a walkthrough of each one can make the choice much clearer than reading specs alone.
Common Mistakes When Choosing an RV Size
A few missteps come up again and again for first-time renters:
- Renting bigger than you need: A larger rig means a harder drive, tighter campground fits, and a higher fuel bill. Size to your group, not to the biggest option available.
- Overlooking tow vehicle limits: A trailer is only a fit if your vehicle is rated to pull it safely. Check your hitch type and towing capacity before you book a towable.
- Forgetting setup time: Pop-ups and larger trailers take longer to set up and break down. If you plan to move often, that time adds up.
- Counting seats instead of seatbelts: Sleeping capacity is not the same as safe riding capacity. Confirm how many people can travel belted, especially when children are along.
How Many Passengers Can Ride in a Motorhome?
From a safety standpoint, it is always best for everyone in an RV to ride with a seatbelt on. Different states set different rules for who can sit where while an RV is in motion. Some require only the people in the front to be belted, while others require every passenger to be buckled. You can find a breakdown of the rules by state in RVshare’s guide to RV seat belt laws by state.
Requirements for minors also vary by state, so know the laws of any state you will drive through. Always place children in car seats that meet the safety standards for their age, and do not install those seats on rear-facing or side-facing bench seats, which are not safe for car seat use. Children are safest in a standard passenger vehicle, so if you are towing a trailer, they should ride in the vehicle doing the towing. If you are traveling in a Class A motorhome, you can either drive a separate vehicle with safer seating for children or have seats built in that meet federal seatbelt standards.
RV manufacturers are only required to meet seatbelt standards for the front seats of a motorhome, not for passengers riding in the back. Before you travel, check whether the RV you rent has seatbelts available for all passengers, including those in the rear.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Sizes
Many first-timers choose a Class C motorhome or a travel trailer. Class C rigs drive much like a large truck or van and include the space a family needs, while travel trailers give you a daily-driver vehicle at your destination. Both keep the learning curve manageable.
Class B camper vans are the easiest to drive because they are the smallest motorhome class and handle much like an oversized van. Class C motorhomes are a close second and offer more room.
The number of people who can sleep in an RV depends on the class. Class B vans usually sleep two to four, while Class A and Class C motorhomes and larger trailers can sleep up to eight. Remember that sleeping capacity is separate from how many people can ride safely belted.
For nearly all rentals, a standard driver’s license is all you need. Very large motorhomes can carry different requirements in some states, so check the rules for your route if you are renting a big Class A.
Yes, you can rent an RV without any experience. In fact, most RV renters are first-timers. RVshare owners provide walkthroughs and operating instructions to help you feel comfortable before you leave, and delivery options let you skip driving or towing entirely.
If you don’t want to drive or tow a rental, you can choose a rental with delivery. Many RVshare owners will deliver the RV to your campsite or destination and set it up, so you can travel in your own vehicle and still have the RV waiting for you.
What Real Renters Say
An RVshare reviewer on Trustpilot said the platform has “multiple options with all kinds of features, from basic campers to luxury liners” and they’ve always been pleased with the experience.
Read more reviews on RVshare’s Trustpilot page.
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